A new alternative energy system called Vivace is being tested to generate electric power from currents which flow slowly and cannot be used by modern technologies.

"Vivace' stands for Vortex Induced Vibrations Aquatic Clean Energy. It is been tested at the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory at the University of Michigan where it was created.

The system is a cylinder that is put in a river or the ocean and moves up and down with the current in what is called vortex induced vibrations. The cylinder's movement is transversal to the current. The system captures this movement which later can be transformed into electrical energy.

The new device, based on the vibrations found in nature, brought down the Tacoma Narrows bridge in November of 1940, Dr. Michael Bernitsas, the director of the laboratory at the University said.

Engineers in the area of offshore, naval, marine and aerospace try to avoid these because they can damage equipment and structures.

The system is cheaper than solar or wind energy, it wouldn't damage the water eco system or interfere with shipping, he said. Currently is only being tested in the laboratory but within a year it will be tested in the Detroit river, he added

Watch how the Vivace works below:

Michigan Energy